Unravel and amplify: harnessing XML to unlock archival collections

This conference paper discusses a project undertaken by the National Library of Australia which aimed to improve the discovery of the library's archival collections.

Libraries have a lead role to play in digital transformation. Through the digitisation of archival and filmed material, libraries can open the path to discovery of the collections they have carefully curated over time. The National Library of Australia has used Encoded Archival Description (EAD) as a standard for curated Finding Aids for archival collections. Harnessing the power of EAD XML the National Library’s Trove team have developed a method to unravel and amplify the Library’s 2000 EAD Finding Aids to create hundreds of thousands of object records. The amplification of these digital resources will change the way users discover and engage with collections of national significance. The Library’s focus on digital projects will enhance the discovery of, and engagement with digitised content as it is created and updated in the Library’s Trove service.